Albany trainer Roy Rogers believes Big Bada Boom can improve a couple of spots after plans to win a maiden stakes victory in the Listed Grandstand Cup (1500m) were scuppered early in the race.

Having his first attempt in black type company three weeks back, Big Bada Boom failed to muster early pace from his barrier and he couldn’t settle close to the lead as was anticipated pre-race.

Settling seventh and with two horses behind him, Big Bada Boom worked strongly to the line and finished a length third to Playing Marika, the early hiccup proved crucial.

Big Bada Boom can atone in Saturday’s Listed Old Comrade Stakes (1600m) and if he jumps cleanly from a low draw, Roy Rogers expects him to be fighting out the finish.

“I was rapt with the run (Grandstand Cup),” Rogers told The Races WA.

“I reckon if he got moving a touch earlier he could have gone close.

“He’s a horse that needs momentum and a build up to his racing.

“If he jumps super he’ll be in it, I’m learning a bit more about him.”

In a field of eight, Big Bada Boom has drawn barrier two.

Lucy Fiore, who retains the ride, can win her second Old Comrade Stakes after combining with Wink And A Nod, trained by her father, Justin Warwick in 2016.

“If he lobs in front someone else will take up the running because he will probably go too slow,” Rogers said.

“He will go too slow if he leads and is a better chaser.”

Bid Bada Boom will have the 11th start of his campaign in the Old Comrade Stakes, but despite being deep into his preparation, Rogers says he’s kept the six-year-old with fresh legs.

“I’ve really backed off him,” Rogers said.

“He’s a big heavy horse, but doesn’t need a lot of galloping.

“We just keep him at home and don’t gallop him, keeping him a lot fresher.

“I think we’re able to keep them up in our environment.”

Big Bada Boom carries 54kg in the Old Comrade Stakes and gains a 2kg weight swing on Playing Marika from their previous meeting.

In an open betting affair, he’s $7.50 with betr. Weapson the $3.50 market leader.

Meanwhile on Sunday, Rogers remains hopeful rather than positive of Artie’s Comet winning the Albany Cup (2100m).’

The six-year-old is out to break a frustrating run of five consecutive placings.

He has drawn barrier one and will be ridden by Renee Forrest.